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<p class="MsoNormal">Hello, all!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We are approaching the one-year anniversary of the launch of the first virtual affinity & DEI general meetup groups. It has been wonderful to see the ways these spaces have adapted to meet the needs of, and bridge gaps between, attendees
joining from all across the state.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While many things have gone well, I also recognize that current structures might not be ideal for everyone. I would love to gather some feedback from those who have been able to attend, and those who have never attended, about what is working,
what could be improved upon, and/or what barriers to attendance/participation exist.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Please consider filling out this <b><span style="color:#0070C0"><a href="https://forms.gle/ppXYfKsL1Ykd2jJy9"><span style="color:#0070C0">short survey</span></a></span></b>, which will capture feedback/suggestions/needs for both the DEI
general meetup <b>and</b> affinity groups. The names, descriptions and times of these groups can be found at the top of
<span style="color:#0070C0"><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-PsiFSLZ286r6UAtusMRO0DNMp6bY1BGJslelV9kVK355Jw/viewform?usp=dialog"><span style="color:#0070C0">the survey</span></a></span>, or
<span style="color:#0070C0"><a href="https://slo.oregon.gov/CommunityEngagement/DEI_Resources"><span style="color:#0070C0">listed here</span></a></span>. As a reminder, affinity group participants must have a shared identity with the group to attend, but the
DEI general meetup is open to all. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will monitor responses to this survey through<b> Wednesday, December 31<sup>st</sup></b>. There will be
<b>no virtual DEI or affinity group meetups in January</b> as I work to reflect on and be responsive to feedback provided. Any and all changes to the meetup groups, if they occur, will be shared out prior to February 2026. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you do not feel comfortable sharing feedback directly with me, the chairs of the Oregon Library Association’s
<span style="color:#0070C0"><a href="https://www.olaweb.org/ola-edi-antiracism-committee---HOME"><span style="color:#0070C0">EDI & Antiracism Committee</span></a>
</span>are receptive to passing along any feedback while maintaining confidentiality. Their email is:<span style="color:#0070C0">
<a href="mailto:edicommittee@olaweb.org"><span style="color:#0070C0">edicommittee@olaweb.org</span></a></span>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thank you all for your time and consideration, and for your efforts to create safe spaces for all Oregon library workers and volunteers!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Best Regards, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Ericka Brunson-Rochette (she/her/hers)</span></b><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Community Engagement Consultant</span><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;mso-ligatures:none">State Library of Oregon</span><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="mailto:ericka.brunson-rochette@slo.oregon.gov"><span style="color:blue">ericka.brunson-rochette@slo.oregon.gov</span></a> | 971-375-5126</span><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="http://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries"><span style="color:blue">www.oregon.gov/library/libraries</span></a></span><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries"><span style="color:black;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="323" height="43" style="width:3.3666in;height:.45in" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.png@01DC62DD.BD01D2A0" alt="Logo for the Library Support & Development Services division at the State Library of Oregon"></span></a><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Check out my
<a href="https://slo.libapps.com/libguides/admin_c.php?g=1451030"><span style="color:blue">LibGuide</span></a>!</span></i></b><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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